India take on Bangladesh in U-19 tri-series

Kolkata, Nov 23 (IANS) An unbeaten Under-19 Indian cricket team will take on Bangladesh, who are riding high after their win over Afghanistan, in the fourth match of the tri-series at the Jadavpur University ground here on Tuesday.

The hosts have convincingly won back-to-back matches against Bangladesh and Afghanistan. In the first game, the home side set a target of 159 runs. Pacer Avesh Khan floored the Bangladeshi batsmen with his swing and pace, picking up figures of 4/4 and gifting his side an 82-run victory.

In the next game, India batted better and posted 236. Afghanistan scored runs upfront but once the hosts got a few quick wickets, they tightened the screws. Finally, the visitors fell for 203.

On the other hand, Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by four wickets to clinch a thrilling victory on Sunday. After having bowled out Afghanistan for a paltry total of 89 runs, Bangladesh struggled in their chase but somehow managed to get across the line.

The win is sure to boost the confidence of the Mehidy Hassan Miraz-led side who have special talents like left-arm spinner Saleh Ahmed Shawon Gazi and Mohammed Saif Hassan, with the former bagging match winning figures of 6/10 in the last game. The side would ideally want to give the Indians a run for their money when they meet here.

But the Rahul Dravid-coached outfit will be difficult to beat as they have been training hard on what to do in match situations and have just the weaponry to pull them out of trouble with captain Ricky Bhui and wicketkeeper Rishab Panth in good form with the bat.